Investors often overlook SEC filings, and it is the job of the 10Q Detective to dig through businesses’ 8-K and 10-Q SEC filings, looking for financial statement ‘soft spots,'(depreciation policies, warranty reserves, and restructuring charges, etc.)that may materially impact Quality of Earnings.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Fleetwood's Cash Concerns Overshadow Hyped Hybrid RV

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. (FLE-$0.25) unveiled its first-ever hybrid motor home at the annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., last week. The Fleetwood Hybrid features increased fuel economy, getting up to 12 miles to the gallon, about 42 percent more than its conventional recreational vehicles. Despite its "green appeal," Fleetwood said it had no plans at this time to manufacture the concept hybrid—likely due to weakening demand for motor homes and cash flow problems endemic to Fleetwood…. continue reading….

…. Decision to delay the introduction of its hybrid vehicle probably was influenced by continued discounting by dealers (to move inventory of their lots) and turmoil in the credit markets. Heather Everett, a Fleetwood spokeswoman, told the Press-Enterprise a hybrid RV would likely cost $40,000 to $45,000 more than a conventional RV. A few gallons of diesel saved per mile does little to offset the higher cost—coupled with lenders tightening credit terms, including higher down payments….

Editor David J Phillips does not hold a financial interest in any stocks mentioned in this article. The 10Q Detective has a Full Disclosure Policy.

1 comment:

The New York Times recently posted an article featuring current RV owners who have outfitted their RVs with more eco-friendly technologies. The RV Industry as a whole has a long way to go (as you pointed out), but it's the little things each RVer can do now that can help the environment & force changes to become more commonplace. To learn more, please visit www.wonderexplorebelieve.net

Follow by Email

About Me

Prior to founding the 10Q Detective, I held equity analyst positions with three brokerage firms and published the investment newsletter e-Growth Profit Letter - dedicated to uncovering companies with innovative, proprietary technologies in a range of industries. My work has been published in The Dick Davis Digest, The Bull & Bear Financial Report, BusinessWeek, CBS Interactive, Forbes, Kiplingers Personal Finance, MSN Money, TheStreet.com, 24/7 Wall Street, The Wall St. Journal, The International Herald Tribune, and Investors Business Daily.
The 10Q Detective is recommended as a 'Must-Read' money blog in Kiplingers (Oct. 2006 & May 2008), Washington Post (May 2009); a 'Best of Financial Blog' by BusinessWeek (Feb. 2007 & April 2008),a 'Smart Stop' by The Journal of Accountancy (March 2008); 'Top 25' by Time magazine, a 'Top 50 Money Blog' by CurrencyTrading.net (April 2008); and, a 2011 LexisNexis Business Law Blog Nominee.